Health codes exist for a reason. The dept of health doesn't really have a dog in the hunt when it comes to neighborhood identity. They'll shutter any place that has enough violations. Let's hope they can clean their act up get a re-inspection ASAP.

I know that Ray has been making an effort to manage the new rating system. Cleaning Cleaning Cleaningglad to read those who think he will bounce back...one never knows where the push is coming from to close down an individuals business. I try to realize myself as an inspector and know I couldn't do the job. I couldn't tell someone that they have to lock the door under threat of sheriffs appearance.This city is infested with vermin such that essentially the walls are held up with their remains. Corpses, sh-t, dander, what have you. Plus those alive and squirming.And Ray is offed by the lack of a hairnet. Don't crack the wall open inspector. You'll start to cry. Inspectors are signing off on hypocrisy.Someone needs to get the blockade up. Ray's is the center of the target.

I have been a customer of Ray's since 1982. I have never experienced even a stomach ache from anything I have ever eaten or drank there. Hair Nets seem to be a necessity these days. I used to wonder back in the day why my Grandma wore one and why. I used to play with them. I saw Ray yesterday and he looked well. It is about fines and violations to fill the City coffers. Maybe this will bring back "hair net" fashion.

Knitters Out There--can you come with with a lovely design to replace those worn out looking hair nets with maybe a "Hair Style Net" which might cover both bases??Then Ray's can sell this item as well and we can all walk around with the new "street" fashion everyone talks about 2-5 years later and will be sold at places like Varvaratos for 2k-or whatever.Sounds like a plan.

"the city Health Department, which has ordered him to close down after racking up 53 violation points on an inspection this morning. A spokesperson for the Health Department tells us Ray's was ordered closed for unsanitary conditions, including extensive mice infestation."

Extensive mice infestation isn't a hairnet, guys. It's actually pretty difficult to get 53 points, even with mice and bugs.

the health department does need the money folks. i mean, there's a fine for not having the proper no dogs sign, one for having the wrong wording on the employees must wash their hands... sign. they will close you down if you've corrected all the violations but did not get permission to reopen, and of course there's another fine.

i'm all for having clean establishments and we all know how few and far between those are.

however, there are some violations that would turn your stomach if you read them. hopefully none of those are in ray's report.

It is very hard to get to the point where the DOH will actually shut you down . YOU GET 3 CHANCES TO FIX YOUR MISTAKES !!! They will not shut you down unless they feel that you are putting the public health at risk period. There is only one side to be on here folks.

@Anon 10:34 - You are correct. But the side to be on is that of the guy who has the balls to put his name on his store for all the world to see, instead of the one who hides behind a faceless tag to insult an old man who works hard every single day in an attempt to stay afloat, who maybe doesn't have the cleanest establishment but has a kindness and decency you lack. I'd rather take my chances at Ray's, a true neighborhood place, than the myriad upscale, pristine, soulless establishments that have no connection to the EV except to treat it as a cash cow.

And that's Ray's side! I wonder how many of our home kitchens would pass DOH code? Also, you used three exclamation points in a row. One is enough, the department of EVGC (EV Grieve Comments) should shut you down. I bet you were a hall monitor in high school.

This sounds like a set-up maybe with the ice creame wars of last summer The heat is on sounds like a calling for all Ray heads to act on this and give a hand maybe Mr. Penley and the Zippies will lend a hour or so

You guys are out of your minds and know little , if anything , about what you speak. Cleanliness takes a back seat here when we are talking about getting closed down. Critical violations , the ones that will get you shut down, have to do with putting the public health at risk. These are very rarely perceived by the average customer. Example: store meat, eggs, or dairy under 41 degrees and you can put people in the hospital with all sorts of food born illnesses. Use gloves when you handle food. Where a hat, etc . THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING ELSE. There is no conspiracy here and I am surprised people aren't more upset . You should be taking this personally as the guy has basically said ' My pocket is more important than your well being !!!' And yes, that deserves THREE exclamation points. How dare he re-open after they shut him down. That's insane.

You can dish out all the put downs you please. The bottom line is, there's a double standard here. This guy Ray was making fries without a fire dept approved hood and ansil system for years . When he was fined told to stop, he ignored the request and kept right on doing as he pleased. HIS POCKET WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE BUILDING!!! Can anyone say 'grease fire?' Does anyone get how incredibly dangerous that was . It shows utter lack of respect and disregard for the people who live here . If a landlord ever put his pocket ahead of the safety of his tenants he'd be strung up and hung.

Thrillist: The Best NYC Neighborhood Blogs 2017

Named one of the best NYC Neighborhood blogs in 2016

Named Best Local Website New York 2014 by The Village Voice

Named one of the Essential NYC neighborhood blogs 2014

By the way

Here, you'll find things that you may or may not be interested in about the East Village and other parts of New York City. Appreciating what's here while it's still here. Remembering what's no longer here. Wishing some things weren't here that are here.

We love tips

Have a story idea or tip about something happening in the East Village? Or maybe a photo? Or several photos? Or video! We'd love to hear about it. Or see it. Or something. Please go here to submit a tip.

EVG on Instagram

Named Best Neighborhood Blog in the First Annual Village Voice Web Awards